Opinion
Editorial

EDITORIAL: Perfect launch into summer

It’s not summer without the proper kick-off and, here in Quinte, that’s been the Waterfront and Ethnic Festival for many years.

For many years, though, that launch wasn’t necessarily a shining star in the city’s crown. Many will recall the years when Waterfront meant a weekend of drunken debauchery, mischief, crowded holding cells and every police officer in the city on duty.

Back then, Waterfront was a blackened tooth in the summer’s smile.

It’s certainly changed. Over the past 10 to 12 years the approach to Waterfront, the mindset and the presentation have dramatically shifted allowing the city and its residents to take pride in the event. When the city allowed the Belleville and District Chamber of Commerce to take the reigns on the event and create an atmosphere geared toward families, there was a noticeable change in what happens at the summer festival.

This week marks the launch of that pivotal summer event as, over the years, Waterfront has grown to expand into the week. The festival is no longer constricted into just a weekend as the midway opens Thursday at 4 p.m.

One of the interesting things about the event this year, too is the change in the beer tent. The event, for years, had large breweries look after supplying suds to the thirsty. This year, though, that changes as craft beer made locally will be on hand for customers. This means the festival can continue to support local businesses — just as so many businesses support and sponsor Waterfront — while also seeing some responsibility shifted to another organization. With Quinte Craft carrying the lion’s share of work when it comes to the beer tent it’s one less thing officials at the chamber have to worry about throughout the weekend.

Of course, the important thing to keep in mind for visitors to the festival is the fact there is the large multi-cultural aspect to it. Many people forget about the ‘ethnic’ element and get caught up in the rides and the children’s attractions. The festival provides a perfect opportunity for residents to learn about the different cultures in Quinte, celebrate them and welcome those newcomers who may be experiencing the festival and Quinte for the first time.

Whether people are visiting the annual summer festival for the food, the music, the culture or the rides, there’s no question Waterfront is a summer staple here, and one that deserves to be recognized for its growth over all these years.

The chamber and those who work hard to see the festival happen deserve to be recognized for their work.